East Bay trails

Shimmering lakes, wooded glens and colorful flowers can be enjoyed along 80 miles of EBMUD trails in the East Bay. These hiking and horseback-riding paths wind through 27,000 acres of open space. EBMUD provides parking at five staging areas and stocks water on the trails for horses.

EBMUD carefully manages watershed lands to protect water quality - so please, follow use rules and have your permit with you.

How to purchase trail use permits

Permits cost $3.00/day, $10.00/1 year, $20.00/3 years, $30.00/5 years. Trail permit holders can take members of their immediate family and 3 guests. Permits are not transferable.

By mail: Download an application and mail it with your payment to EBMUD.

In person: Pick up an application in person at our Watershed Headquarters in Orinda (925) 254-3778 or (510) 287-0459 and various EBMUD locations or other community locations.

Daily permits must be purchased in person at either Watershed Headquarters in Orinda (Monday-Friday) or at Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area (open 7 days a week).

To apply for a Trail Leader permit, you must be endorsed for EBMUD Trail Leader Permits before submitting your application. Endorser groups include hiking clubs, horsemen's associations, and various other groups.

Hours

Permits

Dogs

Dogs are allowed on the following East Bay trails: Oursan Trail, Hampton Trail and Kings Canyon Loop. Dogs must be kept on-leash at all times. No dogs are allowed on EBMUD trails in the Mokelumne River/Sierra foothills area.